Networks
On 19 October, two important reports were published concerning the events of 23 June, when the frequency of the GB electricity grid fell below its normal operating limits for an extended period and the National Energy System Operator (“NESO”) was forced to seek emergency [...]
The ongoing drama about GB electricity grid security on 23 June is exposing much wider problems than expected. To recap, on 23 June, the grid experienced periods of low frequency which was below the safe operating limit for extended periods. NESO was forced to [...]
Is NESO struggling to manage the grid this summer? In addition to multiple market warnings in the past couple of weeks, there was a significant low frequency event that went largely unreported although has been the subject of much discussion within the industry;. Over [...]
Here is a transcript of a speech on grid stability that I gave to the International Energy Credit Association in Valencia on 16 June 2026... ................................. Good morning, and thank you for inviting me to speak here today. This is a risk audience, so [...]
Below is the transcript of a speech I gave at a Net Zero Watch event in Edinburgh on 9 March 2026: . Good evening, and thank you for inviting me to speak today. Scotland is often described as an electricity superpower. Not only is [...]
Electrification has become the default answer to almost every energy and climate question. Heat? Electrify it. Transport? Electrify it. Industry? Electrify it. In policy circles, electrification is often treated as a frictionless substitute for fossil fuels: cleaner, simpler, and largely inevitable. In this new [...]
2025 could come to be characterised as the year the lights began to flicker across Europe as threats to energy security begin to manifest. We almost ran out of electricity in Britain in January. We did have a blackout at Heathrow Airport in March [...]
Good afternoon everyone. I’d like to say I’m delighted to speak today about the CCGT retirement risks we face, but that would be a lie, because while it’s always nice to be with Institution of Power Engineers, it’s far from a delightful topic. However, [...]
Warnings have emerged of the potential for further blackouts in Spain after Red Eléctrica de España (REE) reported steep voltage swings in recent weeks during periods of low demand, high solar output and slow response from generation. REE has asked the regulator (CNMC) for [...]
With the Feast of All Hallows rapidly approaching I thought it would be apt to explain how the grid is haunted by a concept that doesn’t really exist. A pre-occupation with a made-up concept risks the security of our power grids. In this blog [...]